Background information

The restrictions imposed due to the COVID-19 pandemic in Finland have had negative economic and social consequences for the most vulnerable groups. For instance, the closure of schools in the spring 2020 increased the costs in many low-income families as they could no longer rely on school lunch or lunch provided at day care facilities.

In order to compensate for this, the Government proposed a temporary compensation for families and persons that receive basic social assistance (in Finnish ‘toimeentulotuki). This measure temporarily amends Act on Social Assistance (1412/1997) (in Finnish Laki toimeentulotuesta 1412/1997).

Content of measure

Basic social assistance is available for individuals living and residing in Finland whose income and assets do not cover essential daily needs.

This temporary compensation can be granted to persons who received basic social assistance while the restrictions were force (between March 2020 and July 2020). Only persons who have received basic social assistance in the month preceding the payment of the compensation are eligible.

The compensation is granted automatically by the Finnish social insurance institution Kela.

The amount is €75 per month and per person. The benefit is not subject to tax nor does it affect the social assistance or any other benefits.

The total budget of this measure is €60 million.

Use of measure

No information available.

Target groups

Workers	Businesses	Citizens
Does not apply to workers	Does not apply to businesses	Other groups of citizens

Actors and funding

Actors	Funding
National government Social insurance	National funds

Social partners

Social partners' role in designing the measure and form of involvement:

	Trade unions	Employers' organisations
Role	Unknown	Unknown
Form	Not applicable	Not applicable

Social partners' role in the implementation, monitoring and assessment phase:

• Unknown
• Main level of involvement: N/A

Involvement

No information available.

Views and reactions

No information available.

Sources

• 17 July 2020: Government proposal HE 105/2020 vp (Hallituksen esitys HE 105/2020 vp) (www.eduskunta.fi)
• 03 September 2020: Government reaches agreement on fifth supplementary budget proposal for 2020 (vm.fi)
• 05 October 2020: Temporary compensation due to an epidemic outbreak for basic social assistance clients (www.kela.fi)